The PGA Tour was in the FSGA’s backyard this past weekend at Innisbrook Resort for the Valspar Championship, and Tiger Woods made it very exciting! Whether you like Tiger or not, he brings excitement and makes a lot more people interested in golf; including my nephew Jack who got a ball and autograph from Tiger (pictured right).
As the dust settled from Sunday’s final round, the USGA announced the final changes to the Rules of Golf that will go in effect on January 1st, 2019. The USGA and R&A have been working together for over a year in a joint effort to modernize the Rules. Last year they announced the proposed changes and asked for feedback from golfers around the world. They received ample feedback from golfers from over 100 countries. The Rules makers listened to the feedback, modified the proposed changes, and announced the final changes this week. Below are some of the major changes that you will see in 2019.
Repairing Spike Marks on Putting Green – Golfers will be allowed to repair spike marks and other damage on the putting green before putting. Maybe we won’t see any more PGA players blame a spike mark when they miss a four foot putt!
Putting with the Flagstick in the Hole – There will be no penalty if you leave the flagstick in the hole and your ball strikes it after a putt from the green. Just don’t be the person in your group that always insists on the flagstick being left in the hole for your putts!
Searching for a Ball – The time limit allowed for ball searches is being reduced from five minutes to three minutes.
How to Drop a Ball – When dropping a ball you will be required to drop it from knee height, not shoulder height. Last year they proposed dropping from any height at least more than one inch from the ground; however, they adjusted the procedure to knee height after the feedback period.
Penalty Areas – Committees will have more authority to declare, and mark, certain areas on the course as penalty areas. Currently, Committees may only mark areas as hazards if they meet the definition of water hazards. In these penalty areas players will be allowed to move loose impediments and ground their club (currently not allowed in hazards).
Double Hit – The unfortunate, and embarrassing, double hit will just count as one stroke in 2019 (penalty stroke is being removed).
Hitting Yourself or Your Equipment – Currently there is a one-stroke penalty if your ball strikes yourself, your partner, or your equipment. The penalty stroke is being removed in 2019. You may remember in 2003 when Jeff Maggert had the lead at the Masters on the final round; on the third hole his approach shot hit the lip of the bunker and the ball came back and struck him in the chest. Maggert received a two-stroke penalty and finished in 5th place. The Rule was changed in 2006 to a one-stroke penalty and finally no penalty in 2019.
Bunkers – Rules in a bunker are being relaxed. You will be able to remove loose impediments and there will be no penalty for generally touching the sand. You still will not be able to ground your club next to your ball. Also, a relief option will be available in a bunker allowing a player to take an “unplayable” and drop behind the bunker. This will help those who struggle from bunkers!
Stroke and Distance: Optional Local Rule – An optional Local Rule can be implemented giving players an additional option when their ball is lost or out of bounds. The Local Rule will allow a player to drop a ball near the edge of the fairway at an estimated distance that is the same as where their ball is lost or out of bounds. It will cost the player two penalty strokes. So, instead of returning to the tee (or last place you played from) you may take two penalty strokes and follow the options in this Local Rule.
This Local Rule should not be used for professional or major amateur competitions. It will be up to each golf club and their Committees to determine if they would like to implement this Local Rule for member play in 2019. For more on this unusual Local Rule click here.
For more information and videos on the modernized Rules click here.
